M18xR2 Pre-Order Configuration Questions... Ask HERE

.....and the M18x is even bigger than the cooler! - overhangs the sides by about 1cm each side! - if you are in Europe, you could possibly use my rep if you wanted a new machine. The only real stipulation is that you have a UK address initially so that the machine can be ordered/delivered to over here....from that point, you can use a freight forwarding service to get it to wherever you are. Something worth considering. If you want any help from him, shoot me a PM and you could have a look through my thread here: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...system-accessories-please-contribute-116.html

 

thanks a lot for the reference Stevie, I will keep it in mind next time for sure! ordered mine from the US and used a national freight forwarding service - I really wanted to buy it from Europe but prices were sky-high wherever I looked, and I wasn't aware of your thread unfortunately. received an email 5 minutes ago that the laptop is due to arrive over the weekend, and will clear customs early next week (hopefully). sounds a bit childish but I'm shaking with excitement, never anticipated a tech gadget this much and I've owned my fair share of gadgets. I've read every conceivable review about the M18x and M18x R2, to try and cushion the agonizing waiting time - how did you all survive it?

 

Not only am I surviving the wait, I'm limited to my iPhone for anything Internet related. It is horrible... But there's nothing we can do in the end except wait. I managed to get free next day shipping, but that's about it. I just hope it comes before the estimated delivery date, ha ha.

 

I hear you on the waiting issue, I get mine today which means 19 total days since it was ordered...During these 19 days I have been dreaming and planning my 1st steps of what I will do when it arrives...Basically I'm not going to mess around with the pre-installed Windows 7 but will go register at microsoft and pickup the Windows 8 pro for $14.99 and create a USB install and backup the Windows 7 drivers to a DVD in case I need any of them...Then I will pop in my 512gb SSD and 1TB storage drives and install Windows 8 on the 512GB SSD drive and hope I can reload whatever pre-installed software that came with it and not run into any problems...



Edit - Is there a thread created that lists all of the current updated Windows 8 drivers?

 

You can run the Win 8 upgrade manager (before you wipe the drives) and it will tell you what needs to be uninstalled, for a good idea if which apps and drivers will work and which wont.

On my R3 its was only the Bluetooth adapter.

 

I ordered mine yesterday from Andrew's rep in the US, I only upgraded the 680's in SLI. I'm doing the ssd, memory, and killer on my own. They gave me just above 15% off for reference. I thought it was fair and pulled the trigger last night.

 

Hello all, got my laptop and its up and running fine...

But now I'm stuck with trying to figure out why it won't see my other 2 hard drives when they are hooked up in the correct order...
When I have either the 256gb or the 512gb ssd plugged into the top port individually, that hard drive will be recognized and startup into windows normal (both have windows 7 installed on them)...
But in Bios only the top port is recognized...I know both or all 3 drives are bootable, what am I missing?
All my other laptops I just put them in and they are recognized easily...
This has to have something to do with it being setup as Raid right? That setting is checked...
Can anyone help explain to me the steps needed so I can get them recognized in Bios and windows?

Thanks

 

The InsydeH20 BIOS sometimes tries to "remember" settings that you want it to "forget" so to speak.

Try performing a hard BIOS reset using the following steps:

• Disconnect AC Adapter
• Remove System Battery
• Disconnect CMOS Battery
• Short Across CMOS Battery Pins
  (Use tip of screwdriver, but use light touch avoid bending the pins)
• Hold Power Button for 30 Seconds
• Connect CMOS Battery to Motherboard
• Boot into BIOS - Check for Drive Recognition
  (and set preferred options, date, time, etc.)
• Press F10 - Save Settings and Close
• Boot Windows or Power Off at Alienware Logo during POST
• Shut Down, Reconnect AC Adapter, Install System Battery
• Reboot and Check for Normal Operation

This has worked for me and a number of other folks. If this does not work, try re-flashing the SSD firmware with the latest available from the SSD manufacturer.

 

Followed those instructions but no go, only the top port of cable works...

I have my 512gb ssd in the top (old laptop) and the 256gb ssd (new one) in the bottom port but system only sees the top...

I do think it might be the cable

 

Problem solved - Returning for full refund...

Now will have to wait for xmas deals to re-order or other deal close to what had...
Sad to send it back but if its broke out of the box I'm not keeping it...

 

That's too bad, bro. Sorry to hear it. Before throwing out the baby along with the bath water, it probably only needs a new SATA interposer cable. Easy fix and they will overnight one to you for free. It's a common issue that replacing the interposer usually corrects.

 

Too late its on its way as of Friday...

Played with it for 2 days trying to get working drives to be recognized by the 2nd and 3rd ports but nope...I would have accepted a new plug if they offered it but they never let the conversation get that far...The phone call went something along the lines of me explaining the issue about 4 different drives only being recognized on port 1 and the tech guy saying because it was a 3rd party drive they would have to charge me $149 service fee...On a laptop that has 3 year warranty and has been out of the box less than 24 hours I ask, you got to be kidding? He said nope, that it wasn't there drive so they couldn't help unless fee was paid...I said take the drives I own out of the situation even the drive that came with it won't be seen in any port except 1 at which he said he could only help if I paid the service fee...I was shocked and my next words were; I'm not playing these games, thank you very much I'm sending this system back, goodbye and I hung up...Called back and asked for the returns department as I have an item I received 2 days ago that needs to be returned...I was transferred twice and spoke with 2 guys who were very nice and was on the phone a little over 30 minutes as they wrote up the details and completed the return...When I was looking over my laptop specs I noticed every componant line which states what is in the laptop said Service fee charge...I'm very curious to know why it is listed that way and what does my 3 year warranty cover...I will be asking these questions and about a few more warranty issues when I re-order...It looked fishy to me and I hope its not a bait and switch...I give Dell an F for handling this issue this way...

 

steveiejones133 please can you contact me regarding the rep you know that can do a good price on a M18x R2 as im about to buy one and wondered if he could better the price i have managed to get from dell.

 

If you Google Alienware discount code there is a site that in the past has discounts of 10% 11% & once 12%.

The system you have specified comes out at £2279 after 12% discount and free delivery.
Also this includes the 0% over 6 months if that interests you.

I know this cause im after the exact same setup but missed the one day only 12% discount waiting for it to appear again so i can snap one up.

 

Hi. Firstly, you need to have made a few more posts on the forum before I can send you private messages (or vice-versa) but I am more than happy to try and help you out once you have full forum access. Click on my username to send me a message when you are able to - normally takes around 5 posts or so.....I should mention that my rep normally can only help out if you are buying in the UK or Ireland - if you are elsewhere in Europe, he can still help out but you would need either a friend here with a shipping address or alternatively, you could look into using a UK based freight forwarding service to ship to your own country. This has been done before without issue. In the meantime, you might wanna check out the thread Ihave linked in m NBR signature below.......

 

Ok mate thanks, i am in the UK so that aint a problem.

Soon as i can i will send you a PM.

 

No problem, fella. Catch you soon

 

Got 5 posts mate still cant send you a IM

 

Is there a significance between the 240W supply and the 330W? In one of the dell online configurations, the 330W doesnt show up while the other more expensive price point, it has the 330W supply. Im not intending to get the 3940XM chip (most likely the 3840qm as i can overclock this and not the 3630?) )and GPU as 7970's in crossfire (680's aren't available). Will it matter in the future for futureproofness?

Thx. Merry Xmas

 

well, there is a difference - about 90w LOL. Actually, you would only need the 330w if you are running either dual gpu's, an extreme cpu or the two together. That's why you are seeing the 330w at the higher price brackets, because you are spending more on either: dual gpu's, XM cpu or both. If you don't configure a machine with any of those, it doesn't need as much juice to work properly....and it's obviously cheaper to buy too....

The 3740 is probably the better chip for the money. Can be overclocked by around 400mhz, thus making it perform similar to a stock XM cpu. Note, I said similar....not the same. As far as gpu's - both setups are equally as powerful really....the Nvidia cards are way more costly and you will probably lose in depreciation quickly as newer cards come out....futureproofing? - don't really think you can do thta much at the bleeding edge of gaming PC's but either should suffice for some time to come in terms of gaming performance...

Merry Xmas to you too....

 

Merry Xmas

It is a duel gpu with the 7970. The only option for the processors are the 3630, 3840, and 3940. Im not sure why the 3740 isnt available (marketing tactic to get you to splurge?). Even if I select the 3940xm with the duel 7970, it still defaults to the 240W supply.

Its a limited boxing day special so i gotta pull the trigger within 2 days if i decide.

Things that make you go hmmmm....

 

Must be a mistake online because if you go with either dual gpu's or an extreme, you need the 330w psu.

Out of interest, if you are in the UK (thought you might be as per the username) you might wanna have a look at my thread: http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...-aw-system-accessories-please-contribute.html. If you want to, you can get a discounted quote from my Dell rep and it could save you a few quid off your purchase. Just send me a Private Message once you have made around 5 posts on the forum and I will see if I can help you out - if you like.

 

I thought that would be an error. I know the power consumption has been decreasing over the past few years and maybe they thought it would be adequate? shrug...

No Im here in Canada but it would be nice to deal with someone to ensure that I do get the 330W supply. Id hate to be underpowered if I do upgrade the GPU's down the road. Im guessing its Rachid on this forum that's the rep?...Im so bad...i noticed that ive been lurking for 2 years...lol. Mind you it has not always been Alienware that I was looking at but now that Dell discontinued the XPS17...there are no other beefy system within the Dell line.

Thanks for the help

 

Oh for reference...heres the link:

The Dell Online Store: Build Your System

Thanks again

 

Yeah, Rachid is the guy on NBR to deal with for Canada Sales - I'd PM him to confirm the PSU but I can guarantee you that you NEED the 330w supply with any dual gpu config. The 7970m is a 100w card so two of them, plus a 45w cpu (XM is 55w, the others are 45w from recollection) doesn't add up. It's gotta be a typo on the website but ask him to confirm it for you, for your own peace of mind.

 

I guess it does all add up...lol. Yeah, ill shoot him a PM to confirm.

Yup the CPU is a 45W. Thanks again Cheers

 

Is the a pre order forum or advanced global marketing math class? Glad I live in the USA and only have to deal with webpages to come up with 6 different prices for the same setup! LOL

 

Hey Guys!

I'm looking to purchase an M18x in the next few days.

I'm thinking:
3840qm
7970's in crossfire
2x256gb SSD

I am wondering if the killer wireless is worth it. I have read good and bad all over the net and its making me feel uneasy.. but I'm also worried about missing out!

Has anyone worked with a good rep? I'd love to benefit from and support a rep who has been helping out the NBR crowd.

Jack

 

Don't bother with the killer card. Now they've been sold off their support is terrible and very slow driver updates. Intel 6300 is completely adequate.

 

Thanks BrickTop! What are your thoughts on the wirelessHD? That seems kind of nifty too!

 

My Killer card performs outstandingly, much better than the Intel 6300 I had on my XPS, which sometimes performed worse than other standard cards. I didn't update the drivers on the card, and I get full signal on my AW from 35 feet away

 

Same here. My router is in the hallway and my 18x is a good 10 meters away. Signal goes through a solid brick wall and still is full strength with all bars green/excellent. Just wish I could say the same about my internet provider's speeds - awful at 4 downstream 0.6 upstream

 

The attachment hasn't appeared, so please try again: that way we can help you decide faster

 

That's a spam bot.......pay no attention to it, Bro.....

 

I think I am ready to order! Can anyone pm me with the contact info for a good alienware US rep?

 

I have never had a single problem with my Killer card!

 

I have never had an ounce of grief with Intel Ultimate-N 6300. I have been using it as my wireless card of preference since it was released. Killer wireless cards are awesome for many people, but some folks have had problems with them, especially with Windows 8. I think it might be a combination of hit-and-miss driver quality and a few defective cards now and then. The native Windows 8 driver without any proprietary Killer software seems to be doing the trick for most Killer wireless users.

http://forum.notebookreview.com/ali...thread-look-solutions-ask-questions-here.html

 

Hi all.

Just done checking in dell uk, the SLI 680m is no longer available as one of GPU option.
Only 7970m Crossfire & single 680m are available.
Any idea? hmm...

 

Well, I just chatted with a UK rep - told me it was a stocking issue. The 680m's are in very high demand, as you can imagine.

 

Any possibilities to get the SLI version through your rep.?
Thinking of joining the m18x bandwagon, replacing my 3 year old Clevo.

 

1st option would be to chat with Stevie's rep or perhaps get in touch with one of the AW reps on these forums here, such as Luis. 2nd option, which I chose, was to get a refurbished machine. Apart from a couple of minimal scratches on the underside and a slightly squeaky left touchpad-button, it's like new, and got it for a fraction of the normal asking price. However, had I known about Stevie's rep, I'd have gone through that option first... best get them directly from the feeding source

 

Sure thing. I'm not 100% sure he can, but if he can add 680m Sli manually, it might well work even though the website is not allowing orders. He has different system tools to use so you might be in luck. Shoot me a Private Message when you have made a few more posts on the forum, once you have full forum privileges, click my username and look for the link to PM.

Will do my best (and my rep will) to help you out with your order ASAP.

Cheers! - catch you soon!

 

You guys are so helpful! :thumbsup:
Will do.

 

So I've been looking for a gaming laptop the past week or two and narrowed it down to the alienware m18 and the msi dragon edition.. the alienware is my first choice due to a few reasons that just make it appeal to me.. now I recently learned that Dell’s prices on alienware laptops are not "set in stone".. I've read a couple of threads where people have gotten as much as 20-25% off which would be amazing.. so I was wondering what kind of discount (if any) y'all think I would be able to get on the following computer..





Alienware M18X R2 with Soft Touch

Operating SystemWindows® 7 Professional, 64bitProcessor

3rd Generation Intel® Core™ i7-3630QM (6MB Cache, up to 3.4GHz w/ Turbo Boost 2.0)

Memory6GB (1 X 2GB, 1 X 4GB) Dual Channel DDR31600MHz

Keyboard English Keyboard

Display Panels18.4 inch (467.36 mm) WLED WideFHD (1080p) display (1920 X 1080)

Video CardDual 2GB GDDR5 AMD Radeon™ HD 7970M - CrossFireX™ Enabled

Hard Drive500GB 7,200 RPM SATA 3Gb/s

AlienFXTerra Green

Space Black Anodized Aluminum

Adobe Reader Acrobat SW

Adobe Acrobat X Reader

Optical DriverSlot-Loading Dual Layer Blu-ray Reader (BR-ROM, DVD+-RW, CD-RW)

AudioCreative Sound Blaster Recon3Di with THX TruStudio Pro

Wireless NetworkingKiller™ Wireless-N 1103 a/g/n 3x3 MIMO for Gaming & Video and Bluetooth 4.0

AdapterAlienware M18x 330W A/C Adapter

Price: $2898

Factory Installed SoftwareSteam

Just a side note I'm buying 2 x 8gb 1600 mhz of corsair vengeance (will this work alongside the stock ram that comes with the system?) And I plan on buying a SSD as well (open to what size/brand are decent)

Also if it matters I'm buying at the end of January so not sure what specials will be going on.. thanks ahead of time to any and all help.

 

Get a quote from one of the Alienware reps in this thread...

http://forum.notebookreview.com/alienware/669327-alienware-sales-assistance-thread-redux.html

Should be able to get nice discount. I would recommend getting a more powerful CPU... at the very least a 3720QM or 3820QM, which can at least accommodate a 400MHz overclock.

 

Depending on how much the discount is I probably would upgrade to the 3720 just wanna make sure I can stay in budget

 

Also are Xotic’s prices negotiable?

 

I'd buy directly from dell. I got a m18x r2 brand new.. 3740Qm, 8 gb ram, killer wifi, blue ray player, 680m SLI, and 750 gb HD for about 2800. Plus a free backpack.. Killer deals to be had

 

Is that an everyday deal with some haggling price or is that like a once in a lifetime deal?? Wanna hook me up with your reps info assuming your from USA? I'd kill for a 680 sli setup for that price..

 

So has anyone else received a price in the area of the previous poster??